Clinical Registered Nurse II – Surgery RN

Clinical Registered Nurse II – Surgery RN

Location:

Oceanside, CA

Tri‑City Medical Center has served San Diego County’s coastal communities for over 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County. As a full‐service acute care public hospital with more than 500 physicians in over 60 specialties, Tri‑City is vital to our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our citizens. The hospital received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission, showcasing our commitment to safe and effective patient care.

Tri‑City prides itself on leading orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular health services while also specializing in robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Our Emergency Department is highly regarded for heart attack and stroke treatment programs. We partner with over 90 local non‑profit and community organizations as part of our COASTAL Commitment initiative, helping tackle pressing health and social needs.

The Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN) at the Clinical Nurse II (CN II) level is a vital part of the surgical team, responsible for delivering high‑quality, patient‑centered care during the perioperative period. This role requires advanced competencies, specialized certifications, and the ability to function autonomously while collaborating with interdisciplinary team members to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes.

• Maintain a safe, clean working environment, including unit‑based safety and infection control requirements.
• Patient Care
  • Coordinate the interprofessional health care team to deliver safe, efficient, patient‑centered, timely and equitable care to surgical patients.
  • Conduct comprehensive pre‑operative assessments to identify patient‑specific needs.
  • Develop and implement individualized peri‑operative care plans.
  • Monitor and evaluate patient responses intraoperatively, ensuring swift intervention as needed.
  • Act as patient advocate and protect dignity and privacy.
  • Administer moderate sedation for patients undergoing Endoscopy.
  • Evaluate effectiveness of care provided by all health care team members and contribute to continuous improvement.
  • Advocate for evidence‑based practices in peri‑operative nursing.
  • Serve as liaison to cardiac surgeons, anesthesia providers and department leadership (CVOR RN position only).
• Surgical Support
  • Ensure proper handling of surgical instruments, equipment and sterile supplies.
  • Handle and document surgical specimens according to policy and physician orders.
  • Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and maintain a seamless workflow.
  • Manage inventory of cardiac related items, notifying the CVOR RN Specialty Coordinator when supplies are low (CVOR RN position only).
• Safety and Compliance
  • Adhere to infection control and hospital policies, including aseptic techniques.
  • Comply with Joint Commission, OSHA and AORN guidelines.
  • Ensure safe surgical care, including patient identification, pre‑procedure verification, Universal Protocol and prevention of retained surgical items.
  • Identify and report safety concerns, addressing systemic issues.
• Documentation
  • Accurately document peri‑operative care, patient progress and intra‑operative incidents in the EMR.
• Professional Development and Leadership
  • Provide preceptorship and mentorship to new graduates, new hires and students.
  • Participate in continuing education, certifications, workshops and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Serve as resource and advocate for best practices within surgical services.
  • Assume charge nurse or service line coordinator role as needed.
• Emergency Preparedness
  • Act decisively in critical situations such as cardiac arrest or massive hemorrhage, demonstrating advanced clinical skills and composure under pressure.

• Experience
  • 2 years of OR RN experience required.
  • 2 years of CVOR RN experience required (CVOR RN position only).
  • 5 years of ICU, ED or PACU experience for Transitional RN Program (main OR only).
  • Proficiency in handling complex cases across a variety of surgical specialties.
  • Scrub experience strongly preferred.
• Competencies
  • Technical Skills
    • Operating advanced surgical equipment and technology.
    • Strong…